Ulnar Shortening

Overview

Ulnar shortening, also called ulnar osteotomy, is a procedure performed to eliminate pain on the ulnar side of the wrist resulting from damage to the Triangular Fibrocartilagenous Cartilage Complex (TFC).

The TFC

The TFC sits on the end of the ulna bone and helps to hold the radius and ulna bones together. When the TFC is damaged or torn, pain is experienced on the ulnar side of the wrist, typically during twisting movements. Clicking and popping sensations may also be experienced during movement of the wrist.

The Procedure

During the procedure, the ulnar bone is shortened, allowing more force to be transmitted across the undamaged radius, therefore eliminating the cause of pain. First, the surgeon will make an incision in the wrist to reveal the ulnar bone. Then, two to three millimeters of the ulna bone are removed and a plate is set in place to hold the bone together.